UFV’s South Asian Studies Institute (SASI) has been recognized for its contribution to heritage preservation in British Columbia. SASI received the Heritage Defender award on October 15 at the 11th annual Darpan Extraordinary Achievement Awards. Dr. Satwinder Bains, director of SASI, accepted the award on behalf of SASI and the university. “The Heritage Defender award recognizes the South Asian Studies Institute’s work in collecting, preserving, and providing access to South Asian heritage and history,” Bains noted. “This award recognizes the work of the South Asian Studies Institute’s staff, colleagues, advisors, associates, friends, donors, and partners who we have the good fortune to work with. We are grateful for the recognition of our commitment to build the South Asian Canadian historic and heritage record as we connect across BC and nationally.”A pioneer in South Asian media (founded in 2004) Darpan magazine focuses on lifestyle and entertainment news and features reflecting the South Asian community in Canada.
UFV Provost James Mandigo says that the award is welcome recognition for the important work done by SASI.
“The entire UFV community celebrates with SASI their dedication to the preservation and communication of the history of the South Asian community in Canada, and in British Columbia in particular. It’s wonderful to see this dedication and hard work being recognized by the greater community as well. Congratulations to all involved.”
The Heritage Defender Award honours the extraordinary achievement of a South Asian or organization that is preserving and promoting South Asian heritage and culture.
“The work that SASI does is inspiring and has given further recognition to the South Asian community in Canada,” noted Darpan representatives when announcing the award. “The organization’s work and success deserves praise and recognition, and this award is our way to acknowledge and applaud the work and passion.”
In 2020 SASI, with support from the Abbotsford Community Foundation, received $1.14 million in funding from the Province of BC to deliver Haq and History: A Punjabi Canadian Legacy Project.
The funding allows SASI to continue work showcasing past and present contributions of the Punjabi community to British Columbia.
The funding is an extension of two phases and six years of combined effort between SASI and the Royal BC Museum. This partnership has been working, researching, collecting, and sharing histories through the Punjabi Canadian Legacy Project (PCLP) — with South Asian Canadian community partners in Golden, Prince George, Vancouver Island, Kelowna, Vancouver, Surrey and Abbotsford, led by the Punjabi Legacies Advisory Committee.
Excellent achievement
It is the fruit of honest hard work
Congratulations
Thank you so much Dr. Dhami for your kind words. We lead by example from you who also exemplify honesty, philanthropy and the power of community connections!